SafeTec Blog

Last week, the Government of Canada modified the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 1988) to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for workplace chemicals. This modified WHMIS is now referred to as WHMIS 2015. Accordingly, the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the Ingredient Disclosure List have been repealed.

To provide Canadian suppliers, employers and workers time to adjust to the newly created WHMIS 2015, a transition period has been granted. During this time period, suppliers are allowed to either continue complying with the old HPA and the repealed CPR and Ingredient Disclosure List, or they must comply with the new HPA and the new HPR. Whichever process is determined by the supplier, they must fully comply with either the old HPA/repealed CPR/Ingredient Disclosure List or the new HPA and HPR for a specific controlled or hazardous product. The classification, label and (material) SDS must comply fully with the specific legislation and regulation chosen by the supplier, and not a combination of the two.

Following is the timeline provided by the Canadian Government that outlines the key dates associated with this transition: